Warren–Blackwood MLA Bevan Eatts has returned to Parliament for his second grievance on the absence of a domestic violence refuge in his electorate — this time with a community united behind a costed proposal and a clear message to the WA Government: we have done everything asked of us. We just need some support.
Since raising the issue in December, Mr Eatts hosted the Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence in Warren–Blackwood, bringing her face to face with local stakeholders including community organisations, DV sector workers, and advocates. The visit was constructive, and the community engaged in good faith.
During that engagement, the Minister pointed to a metropolitan facility as an example of a locally government-funded model. Mr Eatts’ office followed up — and visited the facility.
What they found was a centre operating on Department of Communities-owned property, receiving state government funding.
“We went and checked. The facility the Minister held up as a local government model was operating on state-owned land with state funding. That tells us this kind of partnership is possible — it just needs the Government to be willing to apply it here.”
Mr Eatts’ office has since developed a costed model for a local refuge, identified potential delivery partners, and consulted with community organisations across the electorate. The WA Police Union has formally written in support. Cross-party backing comes from Libby Mettam MLA, Shadow Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence. Rebecca Tolstoy AM, Founding Chair of the Path of Hope Foundation and a Member of the Order of Australia for her DV advocacy work, also stands with the community.
“This community has brought people together, done the research, and developed a real proposal. We are not asking for a lot. We are asking for some support to make it happen,” Mr Eatts said.
In the 160 days since the December grievance, an estimated 15,000 family violence incidents have been recorded across WA. Warren–Blackwood has no crisis accommodation.
Women are being forced to travel hours from their communities to find safety — or they go back.
Rebecca Tolstoy AM, Founding Chair, Path of Hope Foundation:
“The groundwork has been done. The community is united. Local organisations are ready to be part of the solution. What is needed now is support to turn this proposal into safety and hope for women and children in the region.”
Libby Mettam MLA, Deputy Leader of the Opposition:
“Bevan and this community have done everything right. They hosted the Minister, they checked the facts, they built the case. The Government now needs to meet them halfway.”
